Cheesy Chili Mac
A hearty, cheesy chili mac combining ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful chili sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 chopped garlic cloves ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) pkg. shredded Cheddar ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. season salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) pkg. Creamettes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic in a slow cooker or large skillet over medium heat.
- Remove excess grease from the cooked mixture.
- Add undrained tomatoes, undrained kidney beans, tomato paste, water, chili powder, season salt, cumin, and pepper.
- Stir to combine and break apart the tomatoes with the spoon.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours in a slow cooker.
- Twenty minutes before serving, cook the Creamettes pasta according to package directions.
- Drain the cooked pasta and stir it into the chili mixture.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Garnish each serving with shredded Cheddar cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter option, or use canned black beans instead of kidney beans. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pasta can be added directly to the chili mixture instead of cooking separately. This dish is reminiscent of other hearty American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Chili Mac with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For an extra cheesy touch, consider topping it with additional shredded Cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs beautifully with Sheila'S Beef And Macaroni for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chili Mac contains roughly 703 calories, with 42g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (161% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (157% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 45g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or mushrooms. Additionally, replace the kidney beans with more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to maintain a hearty texture while keeping it meat-free.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spiciness, simply decrease the amount of chili powder you use. You can also omit any additional spicy ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce. For a milder flavor, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or serving with avocado, which can help balance the heat.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While Creamettes are great, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions before mixing it into the chili for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).